Login

Investigators: Sage Fire caused by human error

Ventura County firefighters help with mudslide prevention behind homes in the Sage Fire area in Simi Valley. (Ventura County Fire Department photo)

Ventura County firefighters help with mudslide prevention behind homes in the Sage Fire area in Simi Valley. (Ventura County Fire Department photo)

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - UPDATE

As Ventura County firefighters work to fully contain the Sage Fire, fire investigators report that the cause of the blaze was due to workers repairing a metal gate in the Woodranch area. They're calling this an accident.

On Wednesday, several county firefighters went back to the affected area to help with mudslide prevention behind homes.

Free sandbags are available to Woodranch residents at Simi Valley fire stations 45 and 44. For additional information, call 805-371-1111.

--------------------------------

The Sage Hill Fire burning in Simi Valley.

ORIGINAL STORY

A large wildfire burning in Simi Valley, just south of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, is threatening several homes.

The fire broke out near Sage Street and Laurel Ridge Drive at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Firefighters from several fire agencies in Ventura and Los Angeles counties are currently fighting the blaze, which has burned about 61 acres.

The fire is burning between two major communities. Several helicopters continue to make water drops as ground crews work to contain what's being called the Sage Fire. As of 4 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department reports the fire's forward progress as been stopped.

Crews are going into fire protection mode to try and save some of those homes threatened. No injuries or structures lost have been reported.

Several roads have been closed affecting traffic in the area, including the neighborhood surrounding Wood Ranch Elementary School, located at 455 Circle Knoll Drive.

All children in the Wood Ranch Elementary's after school program were bussed to Madera Elementary School at 250 Royal Avenue. Parents of those children will be able to pickup their children after 4:30 p.m.

Parents looking for additional school information may call the Simi Valley Unified School District at 805-306-4500 ext. 4006.